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EPISODE SIX

She didn't looked apathetic, she offered to dust my feet but i declined. People had started to troop in, grasping any empty seat in sight, the pavilion was almost occupied. I dialed Ada's number, it rang but she didn't pick, i re-dialed and finally she picked her call

Me: "Hi"

Ada: "Who is speaking please?" ** in a sonorous voice**

Me: ***surprised***, this girl didn't save my number sef*** "it is Osaz"

Ada: "Oh"

Me: "Will you be coming for the welcome party?"

Ada: "Yes, i told you in the afternoon na"

Me: ** excited*** "that's nice, where are you presently?"

Ada: "I am at the Man O' war area, i want to get a seat"

Me: "Okay,no need to stress yourself, i have gotten one for you, come to platoon one section, i am seating at the extreme left.

Ada: "Thanks, i will be there in a moment"

I quickly searched for an empty seat and placed it beside me. I anticipated her arrival, i felt Joy within me, i wanted her aura.

***********
It was from a distance i saw Ada on her way to a meeting earlier in the day, we hugged and she was surprised to see me. I walked her and we inquired from each other our experiences in the camp. I complained about her neglecting me, but she explained it was because of the busy schedule of camp activities. I explained to her that i enjoyed her presence on our journey and my intention of building a casual relationship with her, it was when i asked if we could meet in the welcome party and she agreed.

It was more than ten minutes that I had called, yet Ada hasn't showed up. I thought of what could be wrong but i didn't seem to understand the reason for her absence, I was beginning to lose my patience, the party had begun . I dialed her phone again, she picked immediately.

Me: Hello

Ada: Yes

Me: "Aren't you coming again"

Ada: ***silence for a while*** "I am already seated in my platoon stand"

Me: Oh ***stammers* **

I was confused, I checked my phone again to confirm if i dialed the right number, it was evident it was Ada i called. I felt sad and rejected. I couldn't discern her motive for her action, i angrily gave out the chair i kept for her, i now focused on the party, we started with the recitation of the NYSC anthem then a camp official addressed us on the rules for the party.

The platoons were being called in a descending order to dance, i didn't come out to dance, i just sat and enjoyed the fun, laughter and excitement filled the air, each platoons were applauded after their dance.

I was bland when i saw Ada in the heat of the dance, i moved closer to be sure it was her, i changed my angel of view, and to my greatest surprise it was my sweet Adaeze seriously twerking in a provocative manner to the tune of the loud music, I remembered that she was in platoon seven and it was platoon seven turn to dance. she rolled her waist like a professional dancer, she was energetic, she seemed like the lead dancer. I just stared, i was shocked and also disappointed because she had deliberately ignored to seat beside me. After platoon seven were applauded i quickly move close to her so as to know where she was seated before she disappeared In the crowd of people dressed similarly.

I immediately knew why she didn't wanted to come, i felt rage from within, i wanted to have a clear glimpse of the boy who she sat in his laps, but it was dark, i moved closer to capture his image, just then Ada turned back, i turned away from her gaze immediately.

I wasn't sure if she saw me spying on her, i now moved backwards to a distance where she wouldn't be able to easily sight me. He rounded his arms around Ada and she smiled and laughed in a way that confirmed she was having fun.

It just left bittered and angry, the night what i envisaged was opposite of reality. I had envisaged us talking romantically and probably getting to a spot where we could eat and drink, i immediately had a perception of Ada being a bad girl with my conviction bolstered by her recent action. i knew i loved her and i couldn't pretend to myself. I wanted to focus on the party but i lost interest, i left the pavilion in intense anger and walked straight to the hostel.

IZUKWU:
Good story.more power to your elbow. woaw

Thanks

Please I will encourage those reading to reply as much as possible, it could be any observation, addition correction etc, or any view concerning this story so as to know if I will continue or stop.

Thanks

EPISODE FIVE

I had to listen carefully to be sure of the song being sang. I was in a mix of confusion and surprise. I stood there not knowing where to go. The moon was almost not in sight, everywhere was quite dark except for the flashes of light and rays from mobile phones. I couldn't see anybody's face, but the all white attire was evident.

I was given direction to my platoon which was closest to the thatched decorated podium. I was at the rear, probably the tallest in my platoon. I clapped and swayed from left to right from the unseen faces leading the worship session, it was then i observed the arrangement of how the various platoon were grouped.

The morning devotion was rounded off with the closing prayer. The national anthem was sang followed by the NYSC anthem. I was amazed how some had learned to recite the NYSC anthem so quickly, i lip-sang.

Hundreds of Corpers marched into the crowd, they were the Muslims who had just finished their prayers. It was beginning to get brighter, it could half see the official who introduced herself as the public relation officer. We were being addressed to abide by the rules and regulations of the camp and anyone caught violating a rule with be faced with judgement.

We were commanded to stand at attention for the wake of Nigeria, a soldier in his full uniform blew a trumpet from afar. It was 6:am, we were being informed the activities of the day. It was fully bright, after a brief lecture on drugs abuse we were instructed to fall into our platoon lines.

A dark, stunt looking soldier introduced himself at the platoon commandant, he emphasized obedience as his watchword and discipline as a priority and also pleaded our cooperation. I observed everywhere, i searched if i could identified anyone i knew, few wore university of Benin identity card but it was my first time of seeing them.

We were commanded to March, some who had resumed earlier understood while others did the wrong things, at times we laughed. I liked the exercise it was quite fun.

I was getting used to the activities in the camp, it was regimented, quite stressful, sometimes we slept by twelve midnight and woke as early as past four. Sometimes it was difficult to take our bath in the peak of the cold, we resulted into washing our feet and face, the meal wasn't sumptuous, it was better than i expected. I made some friends in my hostel and platoon and i met few of my old school mates. We were were forced to sit and listen to boring lectures which was sometimes boring and irrelevant, there were inter platoon competition , games, sports and other activities to engage in.

Friday night was our welcome party, i came out earlier so as to get a sit and get a comfortable place to sit, i sat very close to the front, i was replying my WhatsApp messages when someone stepped on me, i raised my head, she has a resemblance of Ada before i could complain the lady apologized, immediately i remembered Ada.

EPISODE FOUR

I felt unease, a young lady and i were the only one whose parent were present . I wrote my name on the manifest that was on the seat closest to the door, I was number seven on the list. I observed the spacious park, it was filled with buses going to states located in the North central part of Nigeria. I heard two young men perhaps who came to the park together and from their discussions one could conclude the knew themselves before here, they discussed how fortunate they were to meet the first bus.

While I was observing my environment and noticing every incoming travellers, i deduced that ninety percent were Corpers. I wanted to associate with few but i restrained, i wasn't in the mood to talk. Just then my Mum appeared from wherever she went to.

Mum: "I bought a bucket and this soft drink with gala."

Me: "Thank you Ma"

Just the a man of about fourty-five years old announced that all passengers to take a seat, i excused my mum. I choose the middle seat at the last row because of my long legs so i could be able to adjust anytime.

We were seated in threes in four rows alltogether, we were fifteen including the driver, our luggage were strategically arranged inside the bus, my mum came to the window by my right side, she place her hands on my head and prayed loud not minding that people were in the bus, i was sure people perceived me being a mummy's boy. She advised me to be prayerful and not to engage in strenuous tasks, she finally bade me farewell. I was left alone with strangers i gazed ,they were only two adults present in the bus excluding the driver. One was seated beside me and the other in the second row of the first column. It was 8:25am, the journey started five minutes already, i observed nobody had prayed concerning the safety of this journey, i wanted to but i was being careful, i suspected the bus services detest it, i also thought of maybe it was a strange practice to other religion, i was used to starting a journey with prayer, i prayed silently, committing the journey into the hands of God.

The traffic in Lagos -Ibadan expressway was much, some in the bus began to bond, i placed my earpiece listening to 99.3fm while looking at the trees that seem as though they sped, i appreciated nature. The journey was taking too long, when i felt lonely i slept, i played games on my phone, i scrolled through my pictures.

It was past twelve, a young lady in the row in my front alerted the driver that she wanted wanted to urinate, the driver at first refused, it was after others in the bus altogether pleaded that he finally stopped. Just as the the lady by my left who had earlier stuck in her ears asked why the driver had stopped, i explained what was happening, they where few thatched houses in sight. I used the opportunity to stretch my legs and also walked a little. I noticed they lady that sat beside me was staring but i pretended not to notice when she turned, i looked at myself to see if i wearing or holding anything unusual, i then quickly scanned her, she didn't wear make up but she was endowed with natural beauty, her hair extended to her shoulders and the trousers she wore moulded her buttocks to a perfect roundness, her bosom was moderate.

I felt reinvigorated after the few minutes out of the bus, i took my phone and was playing a soccer game. I noticed that she was still staring at me just then I decided to engage her in a chat.

Me: "Hello"

Her: "hi"

Me: "Seems you enjoy music a lot?"

Her: **laughs** "not really. why do you say so?"

Me: ** chai, who send me ask this question na** "because you fixed earphone all through"

Her: "Not really o, it's just to while away time, i can just be staring"

Me: "you have a point"

I was really interested in her, her smile was gorgeous i didn't want to let the conversation end, i thought of a strategy, she sounded friendly and innocent, that was my typical girl.

Me: ***tapped her*** "Are you heading for the camp"

Her: "yes, and you"

Me: "Sure"

She gave that her lovely smile, her gap tooth were visible, she smelt of rose flower, our eyes jammed i looked away. She removed her earphone and dropped them off into her small bag placed on her lap and locked both palms.
I felt my stars were beginning to shine. She was still, probably examining other passengers.

Her: "You have been quiet all through"

Me: ***Pretended as if i didn't hear**

It felt bitter, i ought to have replied, probably i wanted her to recap,. I insulted myself within for being so dull.
I came up with an idea. I ransacked everywhere as if i had misplaced something, i shifted and bent downwards making her inconvenient.

Her: "Any problem"

Me: "Not really, a necklace pendant dropped but i just found it" **Osas you get masters for lying o** "

Her: "Good then"

Me: ** Voice cracking ** "I don't know your name please"

Her: **Smiles** Her white set of sell arranged teeth were visible. "I am Ada"

Me: "wow, such a lovely name, Adaeze in full right?"

Her : "Nah (in a nasal tone), Adanma""

We began to gist, she schooled at Benin Republic, she was from Anambra state, we talked about various topics ranging from her culture, ambitions,hobbies. Occasionally her hands were around my shoulders and whenever she wanted to sleep she would lean on my shoulders with one arm around my neck making me to feel the side of of bosom, but i controlled myself, it was warm.

When we got down for a short break, she bought me a bottle of drink which made me to like her more, i envisaged us starting a relationship and it was evident that she was fond of me and she found me interesting .

When it rained, water enters into the bus through a tiny opening, i assisted her in holding her buckets and sometimes, she was grateful, we had lot of more interesting conversation, she was never boring.

It was 5:36 pm when we passed the border between Ondo and Kogi , one of the adult in the bus assured us that we we get to the camp any time soon. I was really anticipating, Ada was happy too, she told me she attended a military secondary school and any drill we would partake in camp wouldn't be a strenuous to her, i didn't doubt her, i saw her with her mum when i got to the park in the morning putting on a camouflaged cap, i joked about her being my defender from any attack if need be, she just laughed it off, we took selfie.

We all alighted at a round about, I Ada and someone else boarded a cab, they wasn't much activity in the state, the roads were less busy unlike Lagos, but i didn't draw a conclusion. We reached a point where it was clearly written. "No vehicle beyond this point." I paid for both Ada and my fare, she was appreciative.
Armed Military men stationed across the post ordered us to present some documents after checking and approving our luggage, we were ransacked for contrabands. Ada walked few meters before me, it was when i had a clear view, her gait was majestic, she cat walked like a royal, counting each step slowly with her buttocks moving rhythmically.

Sounds of rain made battering noise on the tarred road, We approached the camp gate which was craftily constructed , as we approached the gate, we were ordered to stand still, i heard the sound of trumpets, but had no idea of the song being blown.

Afterwards, Ada informed me it was custom in every barracks, a signal Nigeria has gone to sleep. I nodded in response. We presented our documents to various officers, we went through procedures.

I assisted Ada as much as i could, her registration was more tedious based on her being a foreign students.
it was already past eight, those of us that entered the same bus while coming aided ourselves, i was through with mine. We were given kits, prospectus, matrass and other necessary items.


I exchanged contact with Ada, she thanked me for my assistance, we hugged for about two minutes, she now smelt of sweat, i accompanied her to her hostel which was a few metres from mine. I promised to check on her once i was settled.

I looked at my wrist watch it was past ten, i was very weak, i covered the torn-stricken matrass with my bed sheet, i was very hungry, i had eaten only the snack that my mum bought for me in the morning with the bottle of soft drink Ada brought for me. The room i was given had almost hundred bunks in there, they was mild noise. I laid facing up facing the up bunk, i thanked God silently for journey mercies. By the time it finished my prayers, it was light out.

EPISODE THREE

Ivie, My elder sister had to change plans, she travelled earlier than she ought to. It was her second time returning home since the beginning of her service year, she informed us before she left that the next time she would return will be after the completion of her service.

I had gotten all my items needed for camp, I ensured that i bought everything needed including malaria, cough and other important drugs. A very good friend of mine "kicked the bucket" the last batch that went camping a month back and coincidentally it was also the same camp i would be camping, he contracted malaria while in camp, when he returned home, the issue was critical he gave up eventually. when the tragedy got to me I so devastated, I lost interest in serving, I concluded after his death that Nigeria is not worth a nation to serve. When the tragedy got to me I couldn't believe, my disbelief didn't hold water, the obituary was posted, his memories was so lucid, we chatted online few weeks before his demise, he had wanted to introduce me into a lucrative business, I stayed in the same room with him at a point in my stay in the University. I literally couldn't put food into my mouth when i heard of his demise. I kept staring at the obituary, my heart was heavy, I was unconsciously instilled with fear.

I searched for my checklist, it was beneath the sofa, I ticked on the items i acquired as i carefully and neatly arranged them, making sure I placed the drugs before anything else.
I thought of how my experience in camp would be, I tried worrying less, my focus was on the positives. I picked up my soccer boots and placed it in my bag. I was happy that i would engage in physical activities. Since i returned to Lagos, i quit my early morning jogging, stopped playing football, stopped visiting the gym, all these were attributed to the nature of my job, often times, i woke up as early as five am, hoping to have my quiet time, I return from work mostly by 8 p.m. Those were my routine in the University. The difference was obvious, my six packs physique was fading, i manage to maintain it with early morning sit ups and push ups.

The room was hot, i took off my shirt, I stared at the mirror for a while, i noticed i was off my preferred shape. I have always been conscious of my physique, slim and tall precisely 6.2ft, handsome, fair and tall, these attributes was the major reason i was selected as the face of my class final year awards and dinner night while in the university. I knew the camp was also a place where people of diverse ethnicity, values converged, i was also excited in meeting new people. All these thoughts made me feel a rush of excitement.

I have a penchant for meeting people especially girls, they always found their way of being around me, my female folks were double of my male, at a time i had to create a balance so i could concentrate on my studies.

At times they were a distraction, that was my aura, I couldn't keep them off me especially times i wanted to be alone, it was like a magnetic force attracting iron, i couldn't control it, maybe because i was funny. I missed the times of being around girls. At home i hardly mingle, i was an typically an indoor person. I was now eager to go to camp. I was aware of all the happenings that usually occur in camp, the free lifestyles, the regimented nature, fun and everything. I gathered my luggage, took my shower in order to go to bed early and wake early so i would ride with the first bus.

I will be dropping episode three and four before the end of today. please readers drop your comment and opinion on the story

EPISODE TWO

I was flabbergasted, I couldn't believe my eyes. It was my least expected state. I was hundred percent assured that i was going to be posted to Delta state. My elder sister who was currently serving in a government secondary school in Delta state came home for holiday, we had planned that we would travel together to Delta, She promised to take me to all the beautiful places like Sapele, warri and other locations, the rivers , the government house and so many other places before i would head for camp.
It was an experience I looked forward to.
Travelling, reading and writing were my hobbies, but I had preference for traveling compared to others.

I remembered my childhood days when we travelled to Benin city, my younger brother and I would sit at opposite sides of the car looking at the trees on the highway thinking that were going backwards. We were always excited whenever we realized that we would be embarking on a Journey.

I sat, cupped my chin in my Palm, I was perplexed, I was so sure I would be posted to Delta because a family friend had requested for my details and had promise to influence my posting, that was the same method that got my sister to Delta. I accepted my fate and began imagining myself at Kogi state. It was the first time i would be travelling there, I didn't have much information about the place, the people, their culture and traditions, their beliefs and all sorts.
I pick up my phone again, rechecked, it was wasn't Delta state, it was clearly Kogi.
I dialed my mother's number.

Me: "Hello Mummy"

Mum: How are you? any news?

Me: "I am fine, Yes o, It is Kogi i was posted to o"

Mum: "Jesus is Lord, How come? Kogi ke?, That place is too far o, Arrgh, check and confirm flight cost from Lagos to Kogi. All is well."

Me: ** Feeling sad again** "Yes Mummy"

Mum: "Have you told your sister and daddy about this?"

Me: "Yes ma"

Mum: "Take care, there should be a solution o, when i get home we would talk."

Me: "Okay mummy"

I knew nothing could be done, i just had to go, i develop a sudden hatred for the man that aided my sister posting, i picked my phone, went to my class alumni WhatsApp group page to see where others were posted to.
Some were posted to Kano, Abia, Osun, Rivers and so on, I couldn't find anyone who was posted to the same state with me. I needed to act fast i had just four days to report to camp

I Laid on my bed with my face up, looking at the ceiling, i was imagining how the place would be, I thought of redeploying. I didn't know much about the state, from my little knowledge i knew that the capital city; Lokoja, was where the River Niger and Benue converged, i recalled a time when our government teacher told us about his time there; the sun intensity and the abundance of fishes. Lucky, a course mate back in university who resides there once told me how rural the place was, lacking industries, the difficulty in getting White-collar jobs except teaching and the famous Ajaokuta steel company.

I remember at friend of
mine back then, we attended the same tutorial centre during our preparation for UTME, named Feyi who was serving at Kogi. I chatted him up

Me: "Hi"

As i waited for Feyi's reply, I browsed the internet, it was then i realized that Kogi state had no airport ** chai which kind backward state be this na**, i also discovered their language, beliefs, traditions and culture. I had no option than to go through road.

There was a knock on the door, it was my elder sister; Ivie who had just returned from the market She held two bags seemingly filled with clothes and other items.

I didn't hesitate to break the news before she dropped the bags.

Ivie: "How come?"

Me: "I don't know, that man just messed up"

Ivie: "I have some friends there, I don't think they even pay Corpers"

Me: ** I just realized this, I hadn't even thought of it ***hissed***

Ivie: "Anyways, The deed has been done, it's just a year experience, God is by your side"

Me: "Amen o"

I ransacked one my elder sister bag, it was custom for her to buy something eatable whenever she goes out, i was right, i found some cookies, she just smiled, she gave me some. I took my phone to continue browsing about the state just then, Feyi message popped in.

Feyi : "Big man, how far?"

Me: "Fine o, You just dey soft for that Kogi abi?"

Feyi: Soft ke?? This place dry pass wood, i no fit wait o, no run i dey after this service year, I am darker than coal now, you dry Bleep up o, you just forgot me for here"

Me: no be so o, I can never forget you o ***yeepa, so i would now be black too** "well, i have just been posted there too o"

Feyi: ***Laughs loud** "Welcome on board."

Me: "Abeg where for Lagos i go enter bus and how much?"

Feyi: "Enter New Garage, Ojota park, it is #3500.Welcome once more"

Me: "Thanks man, i will call you for further clarifications."

Feyi: "Buy bread come o"

Me: "No wahala"

It dropped my phone to get my travelling box ready for use and be sure it was in good shape .

oluwatosin070:
Keep it up

Thank you

Episode one

I walked helter–skelter around my room impatiently, feeling so uneasy, waiting for the hands of the clock to tick 10am.

Rumour had it that it would be the exact time NYSC would upload the names of Corps members to be mobilized in their website.

The previous night there wasn't power supply, I had gone to my neighbor's flat to charge my phone to be prepared for the D-day.

What made me so eager was that i had to quit my Job (Internship at a commercial bank) last month because i was certain that I will be mobilized , but the reverse was the case. Though some prospective corps members were mobilized a month back but i wasn't .

Alas it was 10am, I deliberately delayed for five minutes incase any issues, i picked my Android phone, logged in. To my greatest surprise my dashboard was blank.

************
It had been a month and few days since the last mobilization took place, after quitting my Job I was sometimes idle, I used majority of my spare time to prepare for a professional examination that i was enrolled in, it was an advise from my senior colleagues during my stay the commercial bank and i felt the need to enroll in order to increase my chances of getting a good job in the face of the country high rate of unemployment.

I also used some of my spare time to complete a book(Tales of Nene) which I began writing by February.

I was very sad, not because i wasn't mobilized but because i had quit my job with the expectation of being mobilized.

My heartbeat increased times five, I filled my details after several attempts due to poor network. Finally, I managed to log in but there wasn't any posting. My blood became hot, i was afraid, it sent shivers down my spine, I tried to avoid the thought of going for service by November. I was filled with rage from inside. I threw my phone on my bed on switched on my TV to cool the anger rising inside of me.


**************
It had been a year and two months I graduated with a second class upper in Business Administration from University of Benin. We were supposed to be mobilized November 2017, but ASUU strike affected us which also made us miss April 2018 batch. The action had been called off, of recent which made me eligible to be qualified for mobilization .

After checking the site umpteen times most especially every hour i dialed my friend which was also in the same situation with me.

Me: "How far my nigga"

Bright : "Cool and you?"

Me: "Fine, You Don check your name?"

Bright : Yes o, but e never show o, me surprise o"

Me: ***shocked** "Hope say this people never forget us o ?" ** Put my left hand on my head**

Bright: " Calm down, e be like say their site get issue, e go still show. Just exercise patience. " ** laughs**

Me: "No wahala, Just keep me updated"


I became less anxious after the call, Bright was my course mate back in school. He was very intelligent, he graduated with a first class, I had called him because he had access to information, he reasoned logically and he was in the same situation with me. I picked up my phone it was an incoming call from my mother. I explained the situation at hand, her response was bland. She encouraged me to be optimistic. I checked the clock and it read three O'clock. I decided to recheck but the network was worse than the morning time. I tried once more and it began loading slowly. My heart was beating faster, I was breathing heavily. Just then a call came in.